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Fiberglass columns provide an alternative to wood and
stone, while maintaining the appearance of the traditional classic
column styles.
Fiberglass is composed of very thin glass fibers. The fibers are
combined with a plastic material, reinforcing the plastic, and
resulting in a light, strong and durable material.
One of the most common fiberglass composite materials is fiberglass
reinforced polymer, commonly known as FRP, a construction material
stronger than most tradition materials used to make columns. Fiberglass
reinforced polymer has several advantages over wood; it is non-porous,
and avoids the water damage, swelling and warping that can occur
in humid climates and conditions.
Fiberglass is used to make both fiberglass columns and column
covers. Solid fiberglass columns can be either load-bearing, designed
to carry the weight of a supported structure, or non-load bearing,
concealing a supportive structure, or standing on its own. Fiberglass
columns possess high impact resistance, and they have powerful
supportive qualities, minus the weight of a traditional stone or
wood column. Fiberglass is also easy to clean and maintain.
Fiberglass column covers can conceal unattractive ducts, structural
features, lally columns, and basement supports. Fiberglass covers
consist of two pieces that join to create a seamless surface, and
often include detachable bases and capitols, as well. Therefore,
they can be easily separated for maintenance, and reassembled.
Modern fiberglass first appeared in 1938, as the invention of
Russell Games Slayter. Today, fiberglass columns are produced from
molds. The raw materials are melted in a furnace, and poured into
a negative physical image of the column or column components.
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